Look what I found tonight in the old tree we refused to cut down! (Yet more proof that you should always trust your Little Voice, y’all.) I saw him peeking out at us when Spectre and I came back from our walk tonight. I think this little new resident is an Eastern Screech Owl. If you know better, let me know!
I called the Extension Service, and they told me I’d be surprised how well these owls do in the suburban landscape. As long as I have a birdfeeder (where rodents feed under cover of night…Yick) and some “rough areas” in my lawn – i.e. bushes and heavy growth, my tiny tree-dweller will have plenty to eat.
He’s another reason to keep my bird bath clean, too.
I love having a little raptor in our treasured old tree! I consider him good luck while my John has to be gone.
June 5th, 2010 at 21:27
Holly,
Name him Arnold!
June 5th, 2010 at 21:52
Love him! The boys want to know what you named him?
June 5th, 2010 at 23:10
Sis! Tell them to come up with a name! And I will make it so!
June 6th, 2010 at 08:31
dear holly, what a find! you could call him E.S.O bird, but maybe not to the kids. see you soon, love, aunt sara
June 6th, 2010 at 10:58
hey holly, young andrew says to call him Hoot, and my andrew says to call him Happy or Smiley. ” It’s the meanest looking bird ever.” love, aunt sara
June 6th, 2010 at 11:59
Good News! There are TWO!!! I think a nesting pair! So the boy is now named “Screech” (thanks to Andrew and Bennie) and the mama is now known as “Hoot” (thanks to Young Andrew Ballantine!) Thanks Family!
June 6th, 2010 at 18:16
Wow! Very cool…and great entertainment right there in your own yard!
June 8th, 2010 at 09:10
Great addition to the neighborhood!! We have a mating pair of red tail hawks behind the house. Love watching them teach the babes every summer how to fly!